Camera mount assembly, methods of production and uses thereof

ABSTRACT

A camera mount assembly is disclosed that includes: a camera having a camera body and a lens, a D-shaped telescopic handle, wherein the handle is coupled to the top of the camera body, a removable eyepiece, wherein the eyepiece is operatively coupled to the camera body, a viewfinder tube, and an inverted kinematic arm. A camera mount assembly is also disclosed that includes: a camera having a camera body and a lens, a D-shaped telescopic handle, wherein the handle is coupled to the top of the camera body, a removable eyepiece, wherein the eyepiece is operatively coupled to the D-shaped telescopic handle, a viewfinder tube rotatably coupled with the camera body, and an inverted kinematic arm. Additionally, a camera mount assembly is described that includes: a camera having a camera body and a lens, a D-shaped telescopic handle, wherein the handle is coupled to the top of the camera body, a viewfinder tube rotatably coupled with the camera body, a removable eyepiece, wherein the eyepiece is operatively coupled to the viewfinder tube, and an inverted kinematic arm.

This United States Utility patent application claims priority to U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/784,368 filed on Mar. 14, 2013 andentitled: “Camera Mount Assembly, Methods of Production and UsesThereof”, which is commonly-owned and incorporated herein in itsentirety by reference.

FIELD OF THE SUBJECT MATTER

The field of the subject matter is camera mount assemblies for use withvarious types and sizes of cameras used for film and televisionproduction.

BACKGROUND

The film and television industries have evolved significantly over thelast 40 years, specifically with respect to camera technology and itsuse in various types of productions. Film and televisions makers are nowusing different cameras and handheld techniques to create productionsthat are more realistic and designed to put the audience emotionallyinto the production.

Film and television makers need to be able to easily move a cameraaround, effect several different perspectives easily and put the camerainto various configurations, in order to easily achieve the modernperspectives shown in films and television shows.

To that end, there is a need in the film and video industries for amulti-purpose, flexible camera mount assembly that is stable, easy touse and accessible to many different types of filmmakers.

SUMMARY OF THE SUBJECT MATTER

A camera mount assembly is disclosed that includes: a camera having acamera body and a lens, a D-shaped telescopic handle, wherein the handleis coupled to the top of the camera body, a removable eyepiece, whereinthe eyepiece is operatively coupled to the camera body, a viewfindertube, and an inverted kinematic arm.

A camera mount assembly is also disclosed that includes: a camera havinga camera body and a lens, a D-shaped telescopic handle, wherein thehandle is coupled to the top of the camera body, a removable eyepiece,wherein the eyepiece is operatively coupled to the D-shaped telescopichandle, a viewfinder tube rotatably coupled with the camera body, and aninverted kinematic arm.

Additionally, a camera mount assembly is described that includes: acamera having a camera body and a lens, a D-shaped telescopic handle,wherein the handle is coupled to the top of the camera body, aviewfinder tube rotatably coupled with the camera body, a removableeyepiece, wherein the eyepiece is operatively coupled to the viewfindertube, and an inverted kinematic arm.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows a contemplated camera mount assembly 100 comprising acamera 105 having a camera body 110, a D-shaped telescopic handle 120,wherein the handle 120 is coupled to the top 115 of the camera body 110,a removable eyepiece 130, wherein the eyepiece 130 is operativelycoupled to the camera body 110, a viewfinder tube (not shown), and aninverted kinematic arm 150.

FIG. 2 shows a contemplated camera mount assembly 200 in “Studio mode”,wherein the camera 205 is mounted on a stable assembly 260, such as abase plate.

FIG. 3 shows a contemplated camera mount assembly 300 in “Hand held(Hands only) mode”, wherein the camera 305 is configured to be held bythe cameraperson, however the lens isn't mounted in this embodiment andthe cameraperson isn't shown.

FIG. 4 shows a contemplated camera mount assembly 400 in “Shoulder mountmode”, wherein the camera 405 is configured to be held on the shoulderof the cameraperson (not shown).

FIG. 5 shows a base plate 560 that operatively engages with the camerabody—not shown in FIG. 5.

The top of a contemplated assembly features a telescopic handle 620 withan eyepiece 630 and LCD monitor mount, which is shown in close up inFIG. 6.

With longer lenses, the eyepiece 730 would be/can be removed from theside of the camera 705 and mounted to the top handle 720, as shown inFIG. 7, which will extend to the balanced center of the camera 705-lens715 combination.

A contemplated electronic eyepiece 830, shown in FIG. 8, features abayonet mount 832 which allows it to be rotated 270 degrees and it has apush button lock 834 and at least one friction ring 836.

The extendable and rotatable viewfinder tube 940, shown in FIG. 9, whichmounts to the side of the camera body 910, has the same male and femalebayonet mounts 932 as the camera 910 and eyepiece (not shown). It alsohas a lock and a friction ring—also not shown. FIG. 9 also shows theD-shaped top handle 920.

A three dimensional prototype of the eyepiece 1030 and viewfinder tube1040 connection is shown in FIG. 10. The push button lock 1034 on theeyepiece 1030 is shown, along with the friction rings 1036 and thebayonet mount 1032.

FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 show how the eyepiece 1130 and 1230 may be rotatablyconnected to the viewfinder tube 1140 and 1240. This Figure also showsthe extender/D-shaped handle 1120 and 1220 on the top of the camera body1110 and 1210 that can be used to configure the camera in a differentfashion for viewing.

Contemplated embodiments may comprise a rotating extender 1380 that islocated between the mount 1385 and the eyepiece 1330, as shown in FIG.13, and can allow for the adjustment for neck length and left eyeviewing.

In FIG. 14, the kinematic arm 1450 is shown in a compact embodiment,wherein it has been rotated around a point 1451 to aid the cameraperson(not shown). The point 1451 of rotation is operatively connected to thecamera body 1410. The kinematic arm 1450 has two additional points ofrotation and/or extension 1453 and 1454. In addition, the arm 1450 has acomfort grip handle 1455.

In FIG. 15, the kinematic arm 1550 is shown in an extended embodiment,wherein it has been rotated around a point 1551 to aid the cameraperson(not shown). The point 1551 of rotation is operatively connected to thecamera body 1510. The kinematic arm 1550 has two additional points ofrotation and/or extension 1553 and 1554. In addition, the arm 1550 has acomfort grip handle 1555.

A schematic of a contemplated inverted kinematic arm clutch or grip atpoint 1453 (FIG. 14) and 1553 (FIG. 15) is also shown in FIG. 16,comprising a handle 1652, a mating and locking mechanism 1654 and aseries of nested friction rings 1656 that allow the handle and mechanismto be tightened and held securely in place.

The camera body 1710 has an integrated 15 mm Rod support 1765, as shownin FIG. 17, which is locked with a single knob 1767. These rods can alsobe provided as ‘keyed smart rods’, which means a groove 1769 will allowto mount accessories without slip and access data through integrateddata channels, like an electronic follow focus unit.

The handle 620 is spring loaded and includes a third internal rail,shown in FIG. 18 that extends at half distance, also providing theintegrated cable guide 1870 for the viewfinders and microphones, etc.The D-shape allows easy carry and non-slip mounting. FIG. 18 shows howthe top handle 1820 is nested, so that it can telescope. The “D” shape1890 is also clearly shown in this Figure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

To meet the needs of the film and television industry and to address thegoals outlined earlier, a contemplated camera mount assembly, as shownin FIG. 1, was created for a mid-size motion picture camera and lensthat incorporates the necessary mounting points to quickly changebetween shooting modes. The lens is not shown in FIG. 1. However, FIG. 1does show a contemplated camera mount assembly 100 comprising a camera105 having a camera body 110, a D-shaped telescopic handle 120, whereinthe handle 120 is coupled to the top 115 of the camera body 110, aremovable eyepiece 130, wherein the eyepiece 130 is operatively coupledto the camera body 110, a viewfinder tube (not shown), and an invertedkinematic arm 150. As used herein, the phrase “operatively coupled”means that two or more components are coupled to one another such thattheir attachment or connection to one another allows an operation tooccur, such as the eyepiece coupling with the camera body, wherein onceit is coupled, it can be actively utilized with the camera.

FIG. 2 shows a contemplated camera mount assembly 200 in “Studio mode”,wherein the camera 205 is mounted on a stable assembly 260, such as abase plate. FIG. 2 also shows a the camera 205 having a camera body 210and a lens 215, a D-shaped telescopic handle 220, wherein the handle 220is coupled to the top 215 of the camera body 210, a removable eyepiece230, wherein the eyepiece 230 is operatively coupled to the camera body210 through the use of a viewfinder tube 240. The viewfinder tube 240connects the eyepiece 230 with the camera body 210. The kinematic arm isnot shown in this Figure.

FIG. 3 shows a contemplated camera mount assembly 300 in “Hand held(Hands only) mode”, wherein the camera 305 is configured to be held bythe cameraperson, however the lens isn't mounted in this embodiment andthe cameraperson isn't shown. FIG. 3 also shows a the camera 305 havinga camera body 310, a D-shaped telescopic handle 320, wherein the handle320 is coupled to the top 315 of the camera body 310, a removableeyepiece 330, wherein the eyepiece 330 is operatively coupled to thecamera body 310 and a viewfinder tube (not shown in this embodiment).The kinematic arm 350 is shown as coupled to the side of the camera body310.

FIG. 4 shows a contemplated camera mount assembly 400 in “Shoulder mountmode”, wherein the camera 405 is configured to be held on the shoulderof the cameraperson (not shown). FIG. 4 also shows the camera 405 havinga camera body 410 and a lens 415, a D-shaped telescopic handle 420,wherein the handle 420 is coupled to the top 415 of the camera body 410,a removable eyepiece 430, wherein the eyepiece 430 is operativelycoupled to the D-shaped telescopic handle 420, and a viewfinder tube 440that is also operatively coupled to the D-shaped telescopic handle 420.The kinematic arm 450 is shown as coupled to the side of the camera body410.

For these purposes, contemplated assemblies integrate special and novelsolutions for the viewfinder and eyepiece positioning, as well as anovel hand grip extension, for the side and top. The various piecesdisclosed herein work-together, in combination with the camera body andlens form the camera mount assembly.

Specifically, and as will be described in detail herein, contemplatedcamera mount assemblies may comprise a base plate and a camera having acamera body, wherein the base plate operatively engages with the camerabody, a D-shaped telescopic handle that comprises a removable eyepieceand a monitor mount, a side-mounted and rotatable viewfinder tube and aninverted kinematic arm.

A camera mount assembly is also disclosed that includes: a camera havinga camera body and a lens, a D-shaped telescopic handle, wherein thehandle is coupled to the top of the camera body, a removable eyepiece,wherein the eyepiece is operatively coupled to the D-shaped telescopichandle, a viewfinder tube rotatably coupled with the camera body, and aninverted kinematic arm.

Additionally, a camera mount assembly is described that includes: acamera having a camera body and a lens, a D-shaped telescopic handle,wherein the handle is coupled to the top of the camera body, aviewfinder tube rotatably coupled with the camera body, a removableeyepiece, wherein the eyepiece is operatively coupled to the viewfindertube, and an inverted kinematic arm. Each of these components aredescribed in detail and shown in the corresponding figures.

Base Plate

As outlined, contemplated camera mount assemblies may comprise a baseplate 560, which is shown in FIG. 5 and also in FIG. 2 as referencenumber 260, wherein the base plate 560 operatively engages with thecamera body—not shown in FIG. 5. The contemplated base plate 560 isdesigned to be utilized when the camera needs to be mounted on a stableassembly or otherwise stabilized. However, the base plate isn't requiredin each contemplated embodiment, depending on how the camera is beingutilized.

In order to accelerate the mounting and balancing, the camera body andits base plate 560 are designed to interlock by simply sliding one intothe other and securing it with a clearly visible single lock 565, whichis shown in FIG. 2 as reference number 265, that allows the camera bodyto be locked into place, but also easily unlocked and removed from thebase plate.

D-Shaped Telescopic Top Handle

The top of a contemplated assembly features a telescopic handle 620 withan eyepiece 630 and LCD monitor mount, which is shown in FIG. 4 andshown close up in FIG. 6. The handle 620 is spring loaded and includes athird internal rail, shown in FIG. 18 that extends at half distance,also providing the integrated cable guide 1870 for the viewfinders andmicrophones, etc.

With longer lenses, the eyepiece 730 would be/can be removed from theside of the camera 705 and mounted to the top handle 720, as shown inFIG. 7, which will extend to the balanced center of the camera 705-lens715 combination. Contemplated embodiments may comprise a rotatingextender 1380 that is located between the mount 1385 and the eyepiece1330, as shown in FIG. 13, and can allow for the adjustment for necklength and left eye viewing. The D-shape allows easy carry and non-slipmounting. FIG. 18 shows how the top handle 1820 is nested, so that itcan telescope. The “D” shape 1890 is also clearly shown in this Figure.

Electronic Eye Piece

A contemplated electronic eyepiece 830, shown in FIG. 8, features abayonet mount 832 which allows it to be rotated 270 degrees and it has apush button lock 834 and at least one friction ring 836.

The extendable and rotatable viewfinder tube 940, shown in FIG. 9, whichmounts to the side of the camera body 910, has the same male and femalebayonet mounts 932 as the camera 910 and eyepiece (not shown). It alsohas a lock and a friction ring—also not shown. FIG. 9 also shows theD-shaped top handle 920.

A three dimensional prototype of the eyepiece 1030 and viewfinder tube1040 connection is shown in FIG. 10. The push button lock 1034 on theeyepiece 1030 is shown, along with the friction rings 1036 and thebayonet mount 1032.

FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 show how the eyepiece 1130 and 1230 may be rotatablyconnected to the viewfinder tube 1140 and 1240. This Figure also showsthe extender/D-shaped handle 1120 and 1220 on the top of the camera body1110 and 1210 that can be used to configure the camera in a differentfashion for viewing.

Viewfinder Tube

A contemplated viewfinder tube is practically hollow with the exceptionof the data cable and its function is to keep the eyepiece level to theoperator as the camera is tilted in front hand held mode. For thatpurpose, the pivot is exactly opposite the side handle mount.

Inverted Kinematic Arm

A contemplated Hand Grip features a double arm extension which allowsthe grip to be positioned anywhere within the combined radius of thosetwo arms. A single lock at the elbow controls all three pivots. FIGS. 14and 15 show a compact contemplated embodiment and an extendedcontemplated embodiment. A schematic of a contemplated invertedkinematic arm clutch or grip at point 1453 (FIG. 14) and 1553 (FIG. 15)is also shown in FIG. 16, comprising a handle 1652, a mating and lockingmechanism 1654 and a series of nested friction rings 1656 that allow thehandle and mechanism to be tightened and held securely in place.

In FIG. 14, the kinematic arm 1450 is shown in a compact embodiment,wherein it has been rotated around a point 1451 to aid the cameraperson(not shown). The point 1451 of rotation is operatively connected to thecamera body 1410. The kinematic arm 1450 has two additional points ofrotation and/or extension 1453 and 1454. In addition, the arm 1450 has acomfort grip handle 1455.

In FIG. 15, the kinematic arm 1550 is shown in an extended embodiment,wherein it has been rotated around a point 1551 to aid the cameraperson(not shown). The point 1551 of rotation is operatively connected to thecamera body 1510. The kinematic arm 1550 has two additional points ofrotation and/or extension 1553 and 1554. In addition, the arm 1550 has acomfort grip handle 1555.

Back Side or Mount Rear Side

The rear side, which is shown in FIG. 2, features a high density plugwhich allows access for external power, sound, time code etc. Ideallycompact plugs with a few essential in-outputs can be attached or abreakout box with all options for studio mode. It features an internalbattery and access door for the media. The camera has a flat bottom witha protective Delrin type surface which also covers the back and thelarge curved heel. The design of the heel is intentional to allow lowangle tilt ups directly on the ground. The slightly angled flat backalso allows the camera to be parked to service the lens, etc. Basiccontrols for record, playback and sound levels are on top of the camera,LED bars for media, battery level and sound level are integrated on theright side angled surface so they are visible from the back and side.

The camera body 1710 has an integrated 15 mm Rod support 1765, as shownin FIG. 17, which is locked with a single knob 1767. These rods can alsobe provided as ‘keyed smart rods’, which means a groove 1769 will allowto mount accessories without slip and access data through integrateddata channels, like an electronic follow focus unit.

Thus, specific embodiments and methods of the camera mount assemblies,their uses and methods of production have been disclosed. It should beapparent, however, to those skilled in the art that many moremodifications besides those already described are possible withoutdeparting from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subjectmatter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of thedisclosure herein. Moreover, in interpreting the specification andclaims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible mannerconsistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and“comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components,or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referencedelements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combinedwith other elements, components, or steps that are not expresslyreferenced.

I claim:
 1. A camera mount assembly, comprising: a camera having acamera body and a lens, a D-shaped telescopic handle, wherein the handleis coupled to the top of the camera body, a removable eyepiece, whereinthe eyepiece is operatively coupled to the camera body, a viewfindertube, and an inverted kinematic arm.
 2. The camera mount assembly ofclaim 1, further comprising a base plate, wherein the base plateoperatively engages with the camera body.
 3. The camera mount assemblyof claim 1, wherein the viewfinder tube is side-mounted onto the camerabody.
 4. The camera mount assembly of claim 1, wherein the viewfindertube is rotabably attached to the camera body.
 5. The camera mountassembly of claim 1, wherein the viewfinder tube is removably attachedto the camera body.
 6. The camera mount assembly of claim 1, wherein theviewfinder tube is coupled with the telescopic handle.
 7. The cameramount assembly of claim 3, wherein the viewfinder tube is operativelycoupled to the eyepiece.
 8. The camera mount assembly of claim 1,wherein the kinematic handle is side-mounted onto the camera body. 9.The camera mount assembly of claim 1, wherein the kinematic handlecomprises at least two additional points of rotation.
 10. The cameramount of claim 1, wherein the eyepiece is electronic.
 11. The cameramount of claim 1, wherein the eyepiece is coupled with an LCD monitormount.
 12. The camera mount of claim 1, wherein the eyepiece comprises abayonet mount that allows it to operatively couple with the viewfinder,an LCD monitor mount or a combination thereof.
 13. A camera mountassembly, comprising: a camera having a camera body and a lens, aD-shaped telescopic handle, wherein the handle is coupled to the top ofthe camera body, a removable eyepiece, wherein the eyepiece isoperatively coupled to the D-shaped telescopic handle, a viewfinder tuberotatably coupled with the camera body, and an inverted kinematic arm.14. The camera mount assembly of claim 13, further comprising a baseplate, wherein the base plate operatively engages with the camera body.15. The camera mount assembly of claim 13, wherein the viewfinder tubeis side-mounted onto the camera body.
 16. The camera mount assembly ofclaim 13, wherein the viewfinder tube is removably attached to thecamera body.
 17. The camera mount assembly of claim 13, wherein thekinematic handle is side-mounted onto the camera body.
 18. The cameramount assembly of claim 13, wherein the kinematic handle comprises atleast two additional points of rotation.
 19. The camera mount of claim13, wherein the eyepiece is electronic.
 20. The camera mount of claim13, wherein the eyepiece is further coupled with an LCD monitor mount.21. The camera mount of claim 1, wherein the eyepiece comprises abayonet mount that allows it to operatively couple with the handle, anLCD monitor mount or a combination thereof.
 22. A camera mount assembly,comprising: a camera having a camera body and a lens, a D-shapedtelescopic handle, wherein the handle is coupled to the top of thecamera body, a viewfinder tube rotatably coupled with the camera body, aremovable eyepiece, wherein the eyepiece is operatively coupled to theviewfinder tube, and an inverted kinematic arm.